Rocket Stove by Abdul Kareem K. A. (Kerala)
Name of Innovator: Abdul Kareem K A
Address: Alisha Mahal, Kizhakkekara, Near Govt youth hostel, Thrikkakara P O
Email Id: abdulkareemka999@gmail.com
Video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ooXDLwh03kyz6pn0m3iCV8sGVX-rxgQE/view?usp=sharing
The rocket stove is based on a concept developed by the British in the 1850s. A British version contains an insulated vertical chimney. He has seen it in many hotels in Kodaikanal and Munnar. This burning stove ensures complete combustion before the flames reach the cooking surface. He did more research on Google about the British stove before making one. With the help of five employees of his company, he created his own version. The invention is made using 4 mm mild steel sheets, and the oven chamber is made with stainless steel sheets. The materials for the stove were taken from his company and are easily available at the market. He tested it near his house using firewood as fuel. Seeing this stove functioning, his relatives and friends started ordering the stove. Then, with his employees at the company, we began the production of the rocket stove. It requires firewood, coconut shells and waste paper as fuel and cuts down smoke by 80 per cent.
Innovator Details
Abdul Kareem, 57, says he has the lockdown to thank for his latest invention. He has his own company — Excellent Engineering, in Kochi where for the past 40 years, I have been making products such as boilers, and many industrial materials, “During the lockdown period, I thought what if electricity and LPG supply stopped one day? What alternative can be used to cook food? Even though traditional stoves are available in Kerala, many people hesitate to use them due to the thick smoke. That’s when I started work on my rocket stove,” he says.
With four decades of experience in making furnaces, boilers, kitchens and other industrial materials, Rocket stove was developed out of my curiosity. Thanks to Covid-induced lockdown, I managed to finalise the design around six months ago and started the production.Abdul Kareem KA
The stoves are available in four models and are easily portable too. The premium model costs Rs 20,000, which weighs 60 kilos. The regular model has two options for cooking and grilling. This stove costs Rs 6,500 and weighs 35 kilos. And the basic model has only the cooking option, which costs Rs 5,000 and weighs 30 kilos. Abdul also has a fourth kind, which he calls a ‘tour package stove’, intended for cooking on the go. This portable stove costs Rs 7,000 and weighs 20 kilos.
Problem Addressed: During the lockdown period, innovator Abdul Kareem K.A. thought how many people would be affected if the electricity and LPG supply were to stop one day? What alternative could be used to cook food? Even though traditional stoves are available in Kerala, many people hesitate to use them due to the smoke. This provided the impetus to work on the rocket stove.
Technology: The rocket stove is based on a concept developed by the British in the 1850s. A British version contains an insulated vertical chimney. This burning stove ensures complete combustion before the flames reach the cooking surface. It is made using 4 mm mild steel sheets, and the oven chamber is made with stainless steel sheets.
Societal Impact: It can run on firewood, coconut shells, waste paper or any other bio-waste and cuts down smoke by 80 percent.
Current Status: He has sold more than 330 units of rocket stove and has generated employment for seven others. He has also applied for a patent for his innovation. He is open to partnerships and looking to scale his product line and volume. It has been supported under MVIF by GIAN for scaling up.